Gallant led the Panthers (47-26-9, 103 points) to the Atlantic Division title while setting franchise marks for wins and points. Florida had a franchise-record 12 game win streak from Dec. 15 to Jan 10, a record seven-game home win streak (Dec. 10 to Jan. 3) and a record six-game road win streak (Dec. 15 to Jan. 10). In Gallant's second season behind the bench for Florida, the Panthers improved by nine wins and 12 points from a season ago. Gallant is a first-time award finalist.
Ruff guided the Stars (50-23-9, 109 points) to the Central Division and Western Conference titles in his third season with the team. Dallas, which won its first division title since 2005-06 and first conference crown since 2002-03, had the second-best record in the NHL. The Stars scored a League-leading 265 goals and had the third-best goal differential (+37), while reaching the 50-win mark for the first time since 2006-07. Ruff, a three-time award finalist, won the in 2006 as coach of the Buffalo Sabres.
Trotz led the Capitals (56-18-8, 120 points) to the Presidents' Trophy as the NHL's top team during the regular season, setting franchise records for wins and road wins (27). Washington was second in the League in scoring (3.02 goals for per game) and defense (2.33 goals allowed per game). The Capitals ranked fifth in the NHL during the regular season on the power play (21.9 percent) and second in penalty killing (85.2 percent). Trotz is a three-time award finalist.
